Industry veteran Ron Melvin dies

Melvin was a prominent figure in the accessory world, serving as president and CEO of Genesis 2000 companies DBA Floral Art, Pouliot and Studio International of Orlando, Fla. Melvin and his partner, Jim Peeples, contributed to the furniture industry for 31 years.

According to a release, Melvin and Peeples "made a collaborative statement in the floral business." Their showroom was located on the second floor of the Design Center in High Point, showcasing florals, trees and accessories.

"Ron was an honorable individual," the release states. "He took great pride in the business, plus a love for the industry itself. If Ron said something, he honored it to the n'th degree. He was a very proud person, a very loving family person, a humane man who adored his pets, a very sincere individual, a great innovator and had a great sense of humor. He will be sorely missed by those who knew and loved him."